Scope and Contents His inspection of the Navy Yard at Portsmouth, England and his visits to iron works at Merthy and Tydril, where the proprietors were quite secretive about their processes; he reports a visit to Newstead Abbey, the former home of Lord Byron, with accounts of the house, the tomb of Byron, and some of his possessions; he is headed for visits to the collieries in Newcastle and Scotland.

Scope and Contents Acknowledging letter in which word regarding Moncure Robinson in Paris is quoted.

Scope and Contents Personal comments, mentioning relationships with Moncure Robinson; Wilkes, Arnold, and Sanders are mentioned. French and translation.

Scope and Contents Announcing his arrival after a 38 day crossing from England; he plans to look for a position in the Public Works activities in Pennsylvania. Moncure Robinson to his parents; to to John Robinson, Richmond, Virginia. His visit in New York; his plan to meet the leading men in the large cities looking to employment as an engineer; and his plans to visit the Delaware and Chesapeake Canal and the Baltimore Railway line.

Scope and Contents An offer of employment by the Canal Commissioners of Pennsylvania for "a series of examinations between the waters of the Delaware and those of the North Branch of the Susquehanna with a view to their connexion by Railroad." The pay is to be $5 1/2 per day; this may lead to other employment; the country is rugged and mountainous; he is to bring his own "levelling instrument."

Scope and Contents His recommendation of Moncure Robinson to Mr. McIlvaine, and that the Commissioners had nominated Moncure Robinson for a position.

Scope and Contents Introducing Henry Chester.

Scope and Contents Congratulates Moncure Robinson on his move to "a commonwealth...whose citizens are full of energy and enterprise...as different alsmot from the Old Dominion as black is from white"; he gives news of stock sales in a railroad and a manufacturing company.

Scope and Contents Expressing affection for his parents and his high hopes of advancement in Pennsylvania, despite their suspicion of those from outisde the state.

Scope and Contents Doubts that a railroad will be built very soon along the route being surveyed by Moncure Robinson; news of the family and of difficult business conditions in New York.

Scope and Contents The settling of the mercantile debts of John Robinson, the sale of all property except the town house and "Poplar Vale," and other financial matters.

Scope and Contents Notification of deposit of $500 for Moncure Robinson; reports that "your name and fame are well known to the Governor and Secretary of State."

Scope and Contents Family news.

Scope and Contents Offers financial help to his father; plans to return to Philadelphia when weather in the mountains drives him in; inquires of James River Improvement and of possibility of further employment in Pennsylvania. Reports that he has been appointed Engineer of the Allegheny Division of the Pennsylvania Improvements; he is to lay out a railroad right of way between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

Scope and Contents Total cost estimate $1,068,895.34.

Scope and Contents The hospitality shown him in Philadelphia; requests that his "library of professional books" be sent to him, since he is now settled in Pennsylvania.

Scope and Contents Writes that nothing will be done by the Virginia Legislature on the subject of internal improvement.

Scope and Contents Sends money for his father and gifts of jewelry to his sisters; regarding the sale of one of the family houses, "Upton."

Scope and Contents A letter of appreciation for "gems" given to A.R. and to her sister, Octavia.

Scope and Contents Family news and news of his sale of some of his property to meet the continuing debts of his failed mercantile firm.

Scope and Contents The activities of Moncure Robinson and Conway Robinson to help meet their father's debts. Recent visit of Moncure Robinson to Richmond and visit of Conway Robinson to Williamsburg, where he was much impressed with the hospitality; and a trip with Jane to Philadelphia.

Scope and Contents Settling of debts of their father and their brother Cary; the ensuing marriage of Conway Robinson; he plans to lay out the line of the LeHigh Railroad and is willing also to undertake the works on the Chesterfield Railroad.

Scope and Contents His hope to find a satisfactory route for the railroad through the Allegheny mountains, "a department of my profession, in which few American Engineers have as yet embarked"; he hopes to help Cary in New York with capital, as well as helping to pay off his father's debts.

Scope and Contents Family affairs; and reaction to a report that "the Jackson legislature of Pa. have turned out your Commissioners."

Scope and Contents Payment on a note. In French.